ANAHEIM – Brian Cashman comes from a family with horse connections, but handicapping doesn’t run in his blood.

Asked to handicap his chances of making a deal before the July 31 trading deadline, the Yankees’ GM passed.

“I wouldn’t do that to myself,” Cashman said.

Since he is constantly on the phone with other GMs, Cashman was asked if one need has taken priority over another one. Even with Carl Pavano getting closer to returning from the DL, the Yankees could use another starter as insurance against Pavano not making it back or holding up when he returns. An upgrade in center field would be welcomed and they are always looking for bullpen help.

“My only need is to improve the club any way I can,” Cashman said.

After discussing the pros and cons of Colorado’s Eric Byrnes, the Yankees’ interest is waning in the high-energy outfielder. Seattle’s Randy Winn and Texas’ Gary Matthews remain options. Ken Griffey, Jr.’s name rumbled around the clubhouse yesterday but he says he isn’t going anywhere. As a five-and-10 player, Griffey can veto any deal.

Outside of A.J. Burnett, the pitching pool is shallow. The Phillies will trade lefty reliever Billy Wagner but want somebody to take Jim Thome’s contract in the deal. Cleveland is debating whether to move Kevin Millwood and lefty reliever Arthur Rhodes.

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Joe Torre expects Kevin Brown to start tomorrow. Brown landed awkwardly covering first base Monday night in Texas but hasn’t received any additional treatment since then from the trainers.

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Cashman said it’s likely Pavano will have to work in a minor league rehab game before coming off the disabled list to pitch for the Yankees late next week.

“July 30 is a possible date,” Cashman said. “He has to pitch more batting practice and a rehab game. I am not saying he has to pitch a rehab game but he probably will. He definitely feels good.”

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Jaret Wright, who isn’t expected back from the DL until next month at the earliest, threw 33 pitches a simulated game in Tampa yesterday. It was the first time Wright threw to batters since April when he went on the DL with a balky right shoulder.

Wright is scheduled for additional simulated games Saturday and Monday. He was placed on the disabled list April 24, one day after leaving his start against Texas because of pain in his shoulder.

“We are going to throw every other day and take it from there,” Wright told the Associated Press. “Rehabbing, you try not to look too far ahead. Today, I thought it was OK. It’s encouraging.”

Signed to a three-year deal worth $21 million, Wright is 2-2 with a 9.15 ERA in four starts this season.

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Rookie righty Chien-Ming Wang reported to Tampa and began an exercise program. Wang is on the DL with an inflamed right shoulder. He is expected to begin throwing in two weeks. If the shoulder doesn’t respond Wang will require surgery . . . Bubba Crosby made his third straight start last night, this time in left field as Torre used Hideki Matsui as the DH for the 15th time.